Baywatch publicist Paul Nichols dies days after wife's passing

Paul Nichols, the veteran publicist credited with saving 'Baywatch' from cancellation and branding it as the world's most-watched TV series, has died at age 76 at his home in Weatherford, Texas. Nichols played a pivotal role in 1991 by orchestrating the show's move to first-run syndication after NBC dropped it, which propelled 'Baywatch' to become a global phenomenon. Thanks to his efforts, the series continued for another decade, making international stars out of cast members like David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson. By 1996, the show was reportedly attracting 1.1 billion viewers weekly and holds the Guinness World Record for the most-watched TV show in history, airing in 142 countries and translated into 44 languages. Nichols' death came just 12 days after the passing of his wife of 31 years, Linda. No cause of death has been disclosed.